Etowah Bridge, Tuesday, Oct. 25. On guard to-day. Drew half rations of everything except hard-tack. Had no corn for horses. Took out sacks as we went grazing. Husked some in a field where a woman swore in a terrible manner, made a desperate onslaught on us with words, but I got some corn. Forage train returned into camp 4 P. M. Charley brought in two ducks, and a lot of sweet potatoes.
Saturday, October 25, 2014
Tuesday, 25th—Still lying in camp. The supply train of the Fifteenth Army Corps returned with rations late this evening, but the supply train of the Seventeenth Corps has not yet come in. It is reported that the army of the Tennessee is going on a march of four hundred miles. The route is supposed to be down through the States of Alabama and Mississippi and then up through to Memphis, Tennessee.[1] We are to take rations for thirty days and clothing for sixty days. The armies of the Ohio and of the Cumberland, it is said, are to garrison Atlanta[2] and also to hold the railroad between Atlanta and Nashville. The Twenty-third Army Corps moved out today to Cedar Bluffs.
[1] This was the first hint at “marching through Georgia,” but the camp rumor had it Alabama and Mississippi.—Ed.
[2] We learned later that it was Chattanooga instead of Atlanta, and that the two armies were to be united under the command of General Thomas.—A. G. D.
Camp Near Strasburg, Virginia, October 25, 1864.
My Darling: —. . . . We expect to remain here some time yet. I suspect that apprehension is felt at Washington that the Rebels will try to get up a raid into Maryland or Pennsylvania to create a panic about the time of the Presidential election, and that we are kept here to prevent it. I can’t think that after the complete defeat of Early’s Army on the 19th, any serious attempt will be made to drive us back. I regard the fighting on this line as at an end for this year. I suspect that about the 10th [of] November we shall move north, and I hope go into winter quarters soon afterwards.
We are having fine weather. Camped on a wooded ridge, we are very comfortable. This life is a good deal like that of the fall of 1861 when General Rosecrans’ Army was camped around Tompkins’ Farm. The men were then very sickly. Now there is no sickness. We now talk of our killed and wounded. There is however a very happy feeling. Those who escape regret of course the loss of comrades and friends, but their own escape and safety to some extent modifies their feelings.
Laura has a daughter! I must write her a congratulatory note. But how much I prefer a boy. Well stocked as our house is with boys, I almost rejoice that our last is not a girl.
My regards and love to all the good friends who are so kind to you. Kiss all the boys.
Affectionately ever, your
R
P. S. — Had a good letter from Force. He is returning to the Georgia front.
Mrs. Hayes.
25th. Tuesday. Teams came up. Seems good. Hurrying up Q. M. papers. Letter from Ella Clark.
Tuesday, October 25. — Caught cold to-day and was unwell this evening. Had fuller accounts from the Valley. The double-header was on exhibition again to-day.
Nine miles northwest of Gadsden, Ala.,
October 25, 1864.
Found the Rebels about noon to-day in position behind a rail work, running across from Lookout Mountain to Coosa river. It was only Wheeler’s cavalry, and we blew them out easily. We formed to charge them, but they wouldn’t wait. We followed until we were satisfied there was no infantry behind them, and then settled for the night, and sent out foragers. There was some miserable artillery firing by both sides. Not a dozen men were hurt; only one in our brigade, 100th Indiana.
Peebles House, October 25th, 1864.
We will probably, leave here tomorrow morning. Where we go no one knows, but all feel that something startling is about to happen. Appearances indicate a long and rapid march. All baggage not absolutely needed is to be sent to City Point. Instead of wagons, pack horses are to be used. We are to carry three days’ cooked rations in our haversacks, and five days’ uncooked in our knapsacks. A pontoon bridge is to accompany us.
Oct. 25th. Waiting orders; cold nights.
October 25th.—Bright and beautiful morning.
All quiet below. Mr. McRae has been permitted by Gen. Butler to return again to the city to await his exchange, pledged not to bear arms, etc. Many more of the government employees, forced into the trenches, would be happy to be in the same predicament. A great many are deserting under a deliberate conviction that their rights have been despotically invaded by the government; and that this government is, and is likely to be, as tyrannous as Lincoln’s. No doubt many give valuable information to the enemy.
The Superintendent of the Bureau of Conscription is at open war with the General of Reserves in Virginia, and confusion is likely to be worse confounded.
Gen. Cooper, A. and I. General (Pennsylvanian), suggests to the President the appointment of Gen. Lovell to the command of all the prisons containing Federal captives. Gen. Lovell, too, is a Northern man.
